There are more than 3 million children in the United States who are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and approximately four times that number of adults with the problem. But according to a psychologist at American International College, despite the increased frequency of diagnosis, there are a number of myths and misconceptions about the causes and cures for ADHD.

Paul Quinlan, of Longmeadow, just-retired director of the Curtis Blake Center for Learning Disabilities at AIC, said much of the recent increase in this diagnosis is the result of our better understanding of this complex syndrome. And yet, many of those research findings defy conventional wisdom.

For instance, he said, individuals with ADHD do not have trouble paying attention. “They are always paying attention to something. The problem is maintaining their attention and regulating their focus,” Quinlan said.

Because of their difficulties in regulation, their interest shifts too easily to whatever else in the environment may be attractive.

Yet, Quinlan said, the same child whose attention wanders quickly in the classroom may play video games for hours without losing concentration.

“Why? Because the game offers rapid, stimulating and exciting changes which ideally feed their need for stimulation,” Quinlan said.

According to experts in the field, the primary problem faced by individuals with ADHD is termed “disinhibition.”

“When those with ADHD cannot inhibit the tendency to shift their attention, we call it attention deficit; when they cannot inhibit their tendency to act impulsively, we call it hyperactivity. In both cases, disinhibition is the culprit and the results can range from annoying to dangerous,” he said.

Another myth, according to Quinlan, is that ADHD is the result of too much stimulation.

“It’s easy to understand why we might think of someone whose ‘engine’ is always running at high speed as overstimulated. But ADHD individuals are actually under aroused rather than over aroused,” Quinlan said. “What works best for these individuals is rapid changes in stimuli with quick rewards. ADHD is not an input disorder, it’s an output disorder.”

Assuming children and adults with ADHD need instruction in manners or how to behave is usually a mistake, Quinlan said.

“ADHD children and adults do not have problems knowing how they’re supposed to act. The problem is not a lack of knowledge, but an inability to apply what they know because it would require that pause button they lack.” he said.

While school work can be adversely affected by ADHD, Quinlan said it’s the emotional damage which can have far greater impact on those who suffer from ADHD.

“It’s on the playground, at lunch, during recess and after school where these children will suffer the most. Because their behavior is seen as bossy, disruptive, silly or intrusive, they may be shunned by peers and ostracized from the social aspects of a school environment,” Quinlan said.

What is the best way to treat ADHD? Quinlan said the research is clear that the use of medications is, by far, the most effective treatment for ADHD.